DREmail January 20th Edition

Greetings UUCMP Family and Friends! I hope everyone had a meaningful weekend as we celebrated the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. last Monday.  UUCMP was well represented in the annual parade in Seaside with more than 20 members and friends marching together.  Last week, grades 7th-12th were combined for games and discussion, lead by Katie Schwirzke.  It was a large group and she kept everyone entertained and engaged.  If you'd like to support Katie, this week, in promoting the 7 principles for our high school group, please let me know you are willing to volunteer. The 7th-9th grade OWL class will begin the Relationships unit this week, lead by Warren Finch and Bonnie Fernandez.  What defines a healthy relationship?  How can our participants learn to recognize what's important in a partnership? It's Mystery Buddies Time! ​ Be a Mystery Buddy and Have Fun Connecting Across the Generations  Mystery Buddies begins on Sunday, Feb. 14 and ends on Sunday, March 20. Adults (18-98) and children and teens (K-12) can sign up for participation in the Mystery Buddy program by putting their contact information on the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board by Feb 7 or by contacting JT Mason. Mystery Buddies is a great way for children and adults of our congregation to learn more about one another and perhaps even forge a connection for life Each child or youth is paired with an adult and they exchange information about themselves by writing anonymous notes to one another.  Each note contains clues about their likes and dislikes, personal gifts and talents, or hobbies or “list of favorites.”  For six weeks, the Mystery Buddies will exchange these notes, small handmade items, and/or thoughtful tokens of friendship.  On the final Sunday (March 20th) we will have a Mystery Buddy reveal party. After signing up, each participant will receive specific information about the Mystery Buddy program, helpful hints for giving clues to your Mystery Buddy, and weekly reminders. JT Mason can also help you  navigate any absences during the short, 6 week program. Mystery Buddies is a fun and important way we support and strengthen our congregation and the faith development of our kids. By taking just a little time out each week, we touch hearts across the generations, deepen our connections, and experience more loving community. As children connect with adults and feel themselves a part of the larger congregation, they grow in understanding what our UU faith is all about. Their lived experience of inherent worth and dignity, that “aha” spark that everyone matters, matures as their understanding of the adults around them becomes more complex and their own value is recognized.  It's a whole lot of fun and we hope you'll join in the festivities. If you have any questions, please contact JT Mason  jtigerm@comcast.net or 594-4235. ​ The Committee for Family Ministries is looking for fresh faces, helpers are always welcome in the classrooms, or even providing snacks for our kids and teens is appreciated!  Remember, you don't have to be a parent of a child currently in a program to help out. Have a special talent or passion? Come share it with the youth! Talk to me about organizing family outings, leading a workshop, or even providing a smiling face to welcome new families on Sunday mornings. A vibrant R.E. program is vital to grow and sustain our church. Remember, we’re raising the next generation of U.U.s!  Check out the sign up for Sunday volunteering here:   http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0e45afa62da57-sunday.  ​ ​​​ All families are welcome to join the music department in a variety of ways as well.  Right now, Camille is starting a Children's Choir, open to any student in grades 3-8.  This choir will meet once a week between January 17th-February 28th to learn a special song for the Sunday service on 2/28.  If your child is interested, please contact Camille today at music@uucmp.org.     ​ Our parent resource table, located outside my office in the RE Corner of the new hexes, has some fun seasonal activities to take home, such as a "My UU Principles" booklet, coloring sheets, and "Family Mealtime Questions" handout.  There's also a large selection of books and movies for all ages in the R.E. Lending Library.  This month's featured books are on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his dream for equality.  Be sure to stop by and take a look!  Blessings, Cassidy

It's Mystery Buddies Time!

It's Mystery Buddies Time!

Be a Mystery Buddy and Have Fun Connecting Across the Generations 

 

Mystery Buddies begins on Sunday, Feb. 14 and ends on Sunday, March 20. Adults (18-98) and children and teens (K-12) can sign up for participation in the Mystery Buddy program by putting their contact information on the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board by Feb 7 or by contacting JT Mason.

 

Mystery Buddies is a great way for children and adults of our congregation to learn more about one another and perhaps even forge a connection for life

 

Each child or youth is paired with an adult and they exchange information about themselves by writing anonymous notes to one another.  Each note contains clues about their likes and dislikes, personal gifts and talents, or hobbies or “list of favorites.”  For six weeks, the Mystery Buddies will exchange these notes, small handmade items, and/or thoughtful tokens of friendship.  On the final Sunday (March 20th) we will have a Mystery Buddy reveal party.

 

After signing up, each participant will receive specific information about the Mystery Buddy program, helpful hints for giving clues to your Mystery Buddy, and weekly reminders. JT Mason can also help you  navigate any absences during the short, 6 week program.

 

Mystery Buddies is a fun and important way we support and strengthen our congregation and the faith development of our kids.

 

By taking just a little time out each week, we touch hearts across the generations, deepen our connections, and experience more loving community. As children connect with adults and feel themselves a part of the larger congregation, they grow in understanding what our UU faith is all about. Their lived experience of inherent worth and dignity, that “aha” spark that everyone matters, matures as their understanding of the adults around them becomes more complex and their own value is recognized.  It's a whole lot of fun and we hope you'll join in the festivities.

 

If you have any questions, please contact JT Mason  jtigerm@comcast.net or 594-4235.

Greetings UUCMP Family and Friends!

Here's what's happening in Religious Exploration!

Last week the older youth (9th -12th grade) had a deep discussion about what it means to be a UU, starting with the the 1st Principle:  The inherent worth and dignity of all people.  What does inherent mean?  Can someone lose their worth and dignity?

The 7th-9th grade OWL class was joined by a panel from the Rainbow Speakers, a former PFLAG group, who came to share pesonal experiences on what it's like to be considered Queer, Transsexual, and Asexual. 

Teachers Tara and Maisy lead the elementary school kids in making chalices and playing a fun bean bag toss game. Special thanks to Christine Wood for helping out with the younger kids. Angela played with our youngest babies and tots in the nursery.

​

The Committee for Family Ministries is looking for fresh faces, helpers are always welcome in the classrooms, or even providing snacks for our kids and teens is appreciated!  Remember, you don't have to be a parent of a child currently in a program to help out. 

Are you a friendly, chatty individual?  Consider being an RE greeter!  We ask that you greet incoming families and let them know that Religious Exploration classes are available during the service, after the story for all ages.  Check out the sign up for Sunday volunteering here:  
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0e45afa62da57-sunday.  ​​​​

All families are welcome to join the music department in a variety of ways as well.  Right now, Camille is starting a Children's Choir, open to any student in grades 3-8.  This choir will meet once a week between January 17th-February 28th to learn a special song for the Sunday service on 2/28.  If your child is interested, please contact Camille today at music@uucmp.org.

 
 
​

Our parent resource table, located outside my office in the RE Corner of the new hexes, has some fun seasonal activities to take home, such as a "My UU Principles" booklet, coloring sheets, and "Family Mealtime Questions" handout. 

There's also a large selection of books and movies for all ages in the R.E. Lending Library.  This month's featured books are on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his dream for equality.  Be sure to stop by and take a look! 

Upcoming Events

Sunday, 1/17, OWL will be lead by Warren Finch and Bonnie Fernandez.

Definitely not one to miss, so please make sure your kids are here and ready by 10:30.

Please check out the signup genius to see if you can provide snacks for our hungry teens!  
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0e45afa62da57-snacks

Non Owl Youth  will meet in the Emerson Room with Katie Schwirzke.   They plan to take the next several weeks to discuss the 7 UU Principles.  This week is the 2nd Principle:  Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations. 

Pre-K - 2nd Graders will be exploring the curriculum called “Growing Times” with Teacher Karli.  

Teachers Tara & Maisy will have the older Elementary kids engaged in fun and learning. 

And as always, the nursery will be open for babies and toddlers with Angela.

DREmail January 6th Edition

Greetings UUCMP Family and Friends!

The first Sunday of the new year was a blast here at UUCMP!

Last week the older youth (9th -12th grade) took some initiative and planned several fun outings for the year through this Summer.  They're working on a sleepover at the church later this month, an excursion to an amusement park in March, backpacking in Big Sur after school lets out for Summer, and several low-key events such as mini golf, bowling, parties, and beach bonfires.​​ ​

The 7th-9th grade OWL class learned about sexual orientation and how to be an ally with JT Mason and Bonnie Fernandez​.  This included important tips on how to stand up to bullies and even friends who might be using terms in a derogatory nature.

Teachers Tara and Maisy lead the elementary school kids in some social skills building on the playground and Angela played with our youngest babies and tots in the nursery.

The Committee for Family Ministries is looking for fresh faces, helpers are always welcome in the classrooms, or even providing snacks for our kids and teens is appreciated!  Remember, you don't have to be a parent of a child currently in a program to help out. 

Are you a friendly, chatty individual?  Consider being an RE greeter!  We ask that you greet incoming families and let them know that Religious Exploration classes are available during the service, after the story for all ages.  Check out the sign up for Sunday volunteering here:  
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0e45afa62da57-sunday.  ​​​​

All families are welcome to join the music department in a variety of ways as well.  Right now, Camille is starting a Children's Choir, open to any student in grades 3-8.  This choir will meet once a week between January 17th-February 28th to learn a special song for the Sunday service on 2/28.  If your child is interested, please contact Camille today at music@uucmp.org.

 
 
​

Our parent resource table, located outside my office in the RE Corner of the new hexes, has some fun seasonal activities to take home, such as a "My UU Principles" booklet, coloring sheets, and "Family Mealtime Questions" handout. 

There's also a large selection of books and movies for all ages in the R.E. Lending Library.  This month's featured books are on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his dream for equality.  Be sure to stop by and take a look! 

Upcoming Events

Sunday, 1/10, OWL will be hosting a guest panel from the Rainbow Speakers to the 7th-9th graders involved in the class.  The OWL curricula wants to put faces to the issues of being gay, lesbian, and bisexual, to identify costs of homophobia to heterosexuals, and increase empathy for those who have grown up with feelings of attraction toward members of their own gender.  Definitely not one to miss, so please make sure your kids are here and ready by 10:30.

Please check out the signup genius to see if you can provide snacks for our hungry teens!  
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0e45afa62da57-snacks

Non Owl Youth  will meet in the Emerson Room with Katie Schwirzke and Dom DiMaggio.  They plan to take the next 7 weeks to discuss the 7 UU Principles, starting this week with the 1st Principle:  The Inherent Worth and Dignity of Every Person.

Pre-K - 2nd Graders will be exploring the curriculum called “Growing Times” with Teacher Karli.  

Teachers Tara & Maisy will have the older Elementary kids engaged in fun and learning. 

And as always, the nursery will be open for babies and toddlers with Angela.

Saturday, 1/9 The Committee for Family Ministries will be hosting a REvisioning Retreat and potluck brunch from 9:00-1:00.  We'll be discussing our proposed calendar for the year and asking for input for what we want to see happen for our children and youth. Are we meeting the needs of young families?  How do we build connections between youth and older members?  Bring your energy and ideas and a brunch food to share.  A vibrant RE program is vital to grow and sustain our church.  Please RSVP to me at dre.cassidy@uucmp.org if you need childcare for this event.

Explore Sacred Chanting with Shams on 1/9 has been canceled. 

Wishing you all a great week,

Cassidy

Summer Seminary Information for Youth

Have you heard about Summer Seminary? Do you want to know more? Did you tell the youth you know to apply and they asked "What's that?"

We are holding a drop-in informational session for youth, parents, and religious professionals who are interested in learning more about our Summer Seminary program (uua.org/summerseminary). It will be led by Jaimie Dingus ('13), Steven Ballesteros ('14), and Larissa Hunt ('15) on January 12th at 9pm Eastern/8 Central/7 Mountain/6 Pacific. It is a drop-in session, so if you cannot be there the entire time, that is okay.
 
Information is below:

UUA Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: UUA's Summer Seminary Information Session

Time:  Jan 12, 2016 9:00 PM (GMT-5:00) Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://zoom.us/j/212194607

Or join by phone:
+1 408 638 0968 (US Toll) or +1 646 558 8656 (US Toll)
Meeting ID: 212 194 607
International numbers available.

Apply for Summer Seminary before February 1st!

Summer Seminary is a program for Unitarian Universalist youth exploring the possibility of becoming a religious professional. Focusing on ordained ministry and credentialed leadership in religious education and music, the program…

uua.org

DREmail for 1/3 and Beyond!

Greetings from The Great Plains, UUCMP Family and Friends!

I'm sending love from Arkansas as I visit my family for the holidays.  I missed seeing your shining faces on Christmas Eve and the Sunday Service on 12/27, but I heard everyone had a great time.  The younger kids were combined with Karli and Tara, while the youth met with JT Mason to have some enlightening discussions.

January is almost here!  What traditions does your family participate in for ringing in the new year?  Will you be participating in R.E. for 2016?

The Committee for Family Ministries is looking for fresh faces, helpers are always welcome in the classrooms, or even providing snacks for our kids and teens is appreciated!  Remember, you don't have to be a parent of a child currently in a program to help out.  Check out the sign up forSunday volunteering here:  
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0e45afa62da57-sunday.  ​​​​

All families are welcome to join the music department in a variety of ways as well.  Right now, Camille is starting a Children's Choir, open to any student in grades 3-8.  This choir will meet once a week between January 17th-February 28th to learn a special song for the Sundayservice on 2/28.  If your child is interested, please contact Camille today at music@uucmp.org.

  

Our parent resource table, located outside my office in the RE Corner of the new hexes, has some fun seasonal activities to take home.  There's also a large selection of books and movies for all ages in the R.E. Lending Library.  Be sure to stop by and take a look!  

Upcoming Events

Sunday, 1/3 .  Owl will resume with Bonnie Fernandez and JT Mason leading the workshop on Disability and Other Diversity Issues.  

Please check out the signup genius to see if you can provide snacks for our hungry teens!  
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0e45afa62da57-snacks

Non Owl Youth  will meet in the Emerson Room with Dominic DiMaggio to discuss what the teens want to do in 2016. Bring your best suggestions for fun field trips, sleepovers, and gatherings!

Pre-K - 2nd Graders will be exploring the curriculum called “Growing Times” with Teacher Karli.  

Teachers Tara & Maisy will have the older Elementary kids engaged in fun and learning.  And as always, the nursery will be open for babies and toddlers.

Saturday, 1/9 The Committee for Family Ministries will be hosting a REvisioning Retreat and potluck brunch from 9:00-1:00.  We'll be discussing our proposed calendar for the year and asking for input for what we want to see happen for our children and youth. Are we meeting the needs of young families?  How do we build connections between youth and older members?  Bring your energy and ideas.  A vibrant RE program is vital to grow and sustain our church.  Please RSVP to me at dre.cassidy@uucmp.org if you need childcare for this event.

Also Saturday, 1/9 5:00-8:00 Explore Sacred Chanting with Shams.  We will gather for approximately 3 hours to explore sacred chanting from a variety of traditions, including UUism, Paganism, Sufism, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism and more.  Do you have a favorite chant practice?  Would you like to use mindfulness to explore the effect of chanting on your mind/body/spirit?  We'll sing, journal, and reflect together on the praxis of sacred chant in solitude and in community.  Suitable for adults and mature youth.  Suggested $30 donation benefits UUCMP.  This was a gavel offering that needs a few more people to go forward.  Bring a journal and some sustenance for yourself, or to share.

Sunday, 1/10, OWL will be hosting a guest panel from the Rainbow Speakers and friends to the 7th-9th graders involved in the class.  The OWL curricula wants to put faces to the issues of being gay, lesbian, and bisexual, to identify costs of homophobia to heterosexuals, and increase empathy for those who have grown up with feelings of attraction toward members of their own gender.  Definitely not one to miss, so please make sure your kids are here and ready by 10:30.

DREmail for 12/24 and Beyond

Happy Holidays UUCMP Family and Friends!

As you may have noticed, there's a lot of change on the horizon for UUCMP Religious Exploration!  Last week, we sent Shams off with cake, goodbyes, and well wishes for her new job.  We are all very grateful for her time and effort here developing our RE program.

With that said, I'm very excited for the new year and serving as the Interim D.R.E.  It looks like 2016 has a lot of potential for great happenings.  If you are interested helping R.E. thrive, there are lots of opportunities for volunteers.  The Committee for Family Ministries is looking for fresh faces, helpers are always welcome in the classrooms, or even providing snacks for our kids and teens is appreciated!  Check out the sign up for Sunday volunteering here: 
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0e45afa62da57-sunday.  ​​​​

 

Our parent resource table, located outside my office in the RE Corner of the new hexes, has some fun seasonal activities to take home.  There's also a large selection of books and movies for all ages in the R.E. Lending Library.  Be sure to stop by and take a look! 

Upcoming Events

Thursday, 12/24 is the annual Christmas Eve service at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. Please note that both are a multi-generational service and children are encouraged to join in the festivities.  The nursery is available to parents for a quick escape, but no official childcare will be provided.

Sunday, 12/27 There is no OWL.  Grades 7-12 will be combined in the fireside room for some fun games and snacks lead by JT Mason and Katie Schwirzke. Pre-K - 2nd Graders will be exploring the curriculum called “Growing Times” with Teacher Karli. 
Teachers Tara & Maisy will have the older Elementary kids engaged in fun and learning.  And as always, the nursery will be open for babies and toddlers.

 

Sunday, 1/3 Owl will resume with Bonnie Fernandez and JT Mason leading the workshop on Disability and Other Diversity Issues. 

Please check out the signup genius to see if you can provide snacks for our hungry teens! 
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0e45afa62da57-snacks

Saturday, 1/9 The Committee for Family Ministries will be hosting a REvisioning Retreat and potluck brunch from 9:00-1:00.  We'll be discussing our proposed calendar for the year and asking for input for what we want to see happen for our children and youth. Are we meeting the needs of young families?  How do we build connections between youth and older members?  Bring your energy and ideas.  A vibrant RE program is vital to grow and sustain our church.  Please RSVP to me at dre.cassidy@uucmp.org if you need childcare for this event.

Also Saturday, 1/9 5:00-8:00 Explore Sacred Chanting with Shams.  We will gather for approximately 3 hours to explore sacred chanting from a variety of traditions, including UUism, Paganism, Sufism, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism and more.  Do you have a favorite chant practice?  Would you like to use mindfulness to explore the effect of chanting on your mind/body/spirit?  We'll sing, journal, and reflect together on the praxis of sacred chant in solitude and in community.  Suitable for adults and mature youth.  Suggested $30 donation benefits UUCMP.  This was a gavel offering that needs a few more people to go forward.  Bring a journal and some sustenance for yourself, or to share.

Warm Wishes,

Cassidy Pond-DiMaggio

Interim Director of Religious Exploration

dre.cassidy@uucmp.org
(843) 819-7942